Former Manchester United fullback Dudgeon, who signed an extended contract last week, is catching the eye during the current training camp in Portugal, showing little sign of the knee injury that has haunted him in recent times.

Bruce told the Hull Daily Mail: "It's a huge year for the lad. We hope and we pray he comes through it.

"For his work and his effort and his attitude, we decided to give him another year.

"He was just getting fit towards the end of last season but it's been a long couple of years for him, hasn't it? We wish him the very best of luck."